Obituary for Henry Johnson "Hank" Buntin

Henry Buntin (Hank) died October 7, 2018 in Morristown, NJ. He was 79.
Hank was born in Jersey City, NJ on January 22, 1939, a son to the late Margaret (Haring) and Ernest Haye Buntin. He was raised in Jersey City moving to Middlesex and New Providence in 1960 where he lived until moving to Stirling 3 years ago.
Hank was a graduate of Dickenson High School and Jersey City State College, class of 1960. He furthured his education recieving a Masters from Montclair State University.
He began his career as a science teacher and swim coach at Snyder High School, and continued that profession as a Biology teacher and swim coach at New Providence High School in New Providence, NJ for 30 years retiring in 1996. Hank coached the Summit YMCA swim team for 45 years. He managed and coached at Crestview Swim Club for 38 years. Hank was also a stroke and turn coach at Berkeley Aquatic Center until last year. Some of Hank’s many accomplishments include author of “The Pointy Arrow Concept”, a book about designing competitive swimming strokes, inventor of Swim-Mits, recipient of the National YMCA Coach of the Year Award in 2002, recipient of the YMCA’s most prestigious honor, the Shuart Reed Memorial Award for Distinguished Community Service in 1992, The Star Ledger Coach of the Year Award in 1989, and was recognized as a Master Coach from the National YMCA Swimming and Diving Committee in 1985. Hank was a talented artist who loved nature and fishing. He was most proud of his loving wife and his children and grandchildren.
Hank was pre-deceased by his son Marc, and 2 brothers Ernest and John Buntin.
He is survived by his loving wife Rachel (Besante) Buntin. Three sons, Paul, Jeffrey, Matthew and his wife Jessica, daughter Lynda and her husband Edward Carpenito, a brother Timothy, and six grandchildren Brittany, Kathryn, Alexander, Alyssa, Logan and Grayson.
A Celebration of Life with shared memories will be on Monday, October 15, 2018 from 6 - 9 PM at the Shrine of St. Joseph, 1050 Valley Rd., Stirling, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a future donation to the soon to be formed Hank Buntin Memorial Scholarship Fund. More details will be made available soon.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Valley Memorial Funeral Home, 1012 Valley Rd., Gillette, NJ. For more information and online condolences visit valleymemorialfuneralhome.net

I was very saddened to hear the news of Mr. Buntin's passing. He was my teacher at NPHS and he was the best ever! I will remember him fondly. My sincere condolences to the family.

Helga Merabi Sotoodeh - Sunday October 21, 2018 via Memorial Candle

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RD

Sincerest prayers and condolences to the Buntin family; I'll always remember Mr. Buntin as not just a tough teacher who commanded respect, but someone with a soft side who treated everybody fairly and with kindness. A long time co-worker and friend to the Duttenhofer family, we all consider ourselves lucky and most fortunate to have known him.

Rick Duttenhofer - Monday October 15, 2018 via Condolence Message

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B(

Hank was a very special gentleman. He was an inspiration to my son, Jon, who still is swimming every day at the ripe old age of 35. He was patient, kind, gentle, and was able to manage his swimmers, their parents, parent's friends, etc. etc. with dignity and grace. I will always remember when Jon moved up to be a 9-10 year older swimmer. He panicked in the car, and said, I can't be anything but an 8 and under swimmer. He would not get out of the car. I went into the YMCA and told Hank. He simply said, "I'll take care of it." Within a few minuted Hank and Jon walked into the "Y" both smiling, and hand in hand. That was it. Jon had become a swimmer for life, and Hank held a special place in my heart forever.

To Rachel and the Buntin family, we are so sorry for your loss. Hank was loved by many and touched the lives of so many young people that he taught and coached. May happy memories of Hank help get you through this difficult time.